Smart ENVE 5.6 DISC | mid section wheels

The Smart ENVE System 5.6 Disc are specifically designed as a multi-purpose wheelset that can be used in all weather conditions, terrains and disciplines. Strada are taking orders for custom hand built clincher versions of these fantastic wheels with some of the best hubs available.

Note – this is a rim only price, please call Strada or use the contact form to discuss a custom ENVE wheelset as we hand build all wheels to order.

WHY DID WE MAKE IT?

Most “disc brake” wheelsets are simply repurposed rim brake wheels with disc hubs. The elimination of a braking surface opens up the realm of aerodynamic and structural possibilities. When you don’t have to engineer a flat braking surface and manage high temperatures from braking, you can reduce the rim’s weight, adjust shape for improved aerodynamics and provide better tubeless performance.

Disc brake technology offers improved braking performance for amateur and professional road cyclists alike. Carbon fiber braking surfaces are a major design constraint that limits weight savings and rim design. By removing the constraints of a braking surface, we can completely rethink the shape of the rim. The SES 5.6 Disc features patented SES rim curvature but has been further optimized for disc brakes. Additionally, the SES 5.6 Disc carbon fiber clinchers and tubulars are very lightweight because the material used for heat management can been eliminated. This allows for a more structurally efficient and impact resistant rim. Finally, the SES 5.6 Disc carbon clincher is road tubeless compatible and can still be run with standard inner tubes and tyres. Like the current generation SES carbon clinchers and tubulars, the 5.6 Disc has been aerodynamically optimized around 25mm tyres. There is an informative piece here on the ENVE site.

Hub choices – currently the Chris King R45 disc , DT Swiss 240 and DT Swiss 180 and Tune Prince + Princess are available in 24 hole for building with these rims.

Strada says – we have been impressed by the quality of finish on all the ENVE rims. There is no touching up or hiding with these – the rim is just smoothed and polished matt UD carbon. They handle spoke tension well and are very clean inside with no remnants of the moulding process left behind. Having met and spoken to ENVE engineers at length we remain convinced ENVE are making some of the best rims on the market today. The Smart ENVE 5.6 will handle a cross wind very well. The 5 year rim warranty is class leading and only ENVE mould the spoke holes into the rim which can withstand 700lbs of pull before failure. The rim width means a comfortable ride and good handling – all in all the Smart ENVE system 5.6 disc are a great rim to work with and ride on.

Watch our ENVE 3.4 wheelset review on YouTube

INTRODUCING THE SMART ENVE SYSTEM – the recipe for a fast wheel is no one single element; rather, it’s a combination of factors. When you start with in-frame development and blend proven aerodynamics, optimized stability, lightweight, stiffness and durability, the result is a revolutionary wheel design.

SPEED – The Smart ENVE System optimizes the interface between the frame surfaces and the wheels, creating an integrated system. The front and rear wheels interact differently with the air and the rest of the bicycle. Rim shapes are optimized to allow airflow to stay attached at higher yaw angles, thus reducing drag and improving ride performance. The front wheel is wider and shallower to improve stability and reduce drag in any wind condition. The rear wheel is deeper to reduce drag where stability is less affected. Wheels were tested on multiple frame designs in order to produce the maximum drag reduction. The result is a wheel system, which handles predictably, and displays superior drag results when installed in multiple bicycle frame designs.

STABILITY – Steering feedback in variable conditions needs to be predictable to have total handling confidence. Less predictable wheels have a non-linear steering response, resulting in erratic and unpredictable handling in unsteady conditions. The shape of the Smart ENVE System rim is optimized to ensure even and predictable airflow attachment. What the rider experiences is a balanced build up of side force as the angle of crosswind changes. This allows the rider to accurately predict the handling mannerisms of the wheel and avoid dangerous over correction cycles. The focus on steering stability resulted in improved handling and confidence in varying crosswinds. Therefore, the wheel shape was optimized to produce a predictable and linear response.

STRONG, STIFF, LIGHT – THE ENVE PROCESS

ENVE is renowned for developing the strongest, stiffest and lightest rims on the market. This durability is proven across all disciplines of the sport including being the first and only carbon wheel to podium at World Cup DH events. All ENVE products, including the Smart ENVE System, share this advanced manufacturing technology. These technologies involve:

Highest strength to weight ratio in the industry.

Proprietary moulded in spoke hole technology.

Jason at ENVE says – “We want to create only the best. ENVE is a zero compromise company.”